Should You Consider Investing in Property Within Southern England?
When you’re looking to buy a house, choosing the location where you want to move to can be pretty challenging. Today’s housing market isn’t as booming as it once was. Therefore, it’s crucial buyers are smarter about where they do invest their money.
The South of England has proven to be a great area of the country to buy a property. Although London will obviously be the most expensive area to invest in, there are some areas which offer some pretty awesome deals. Here, you’ll discover why location matters when you’re investing in property and which areas you’ll want to consider when looking for your next home.
Why does location matter?
The location of the property is extremely important. It not only determines the cost of house prices, but it also determines quality of life.
How much crime is in the area? How much work is available and are there local schools, doctors and hospitals nearby? These are just some of the things you need to consider when looking at the right location to invest in. Buying a property is a major life decision so you obviously want to be 100% certain you’re investing in the right place.
If you are looking to invest in property within the South of England, one place you’ll want to consider for example, is Bristol.
What does Bristol have to offer?
On the border of South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, Bristol is a city with plenty to offer. Although it isn’t widely recognised, the city has actually ranked as the number one place to start a business. Its business opportunities are fantastic and even the cost of business premises is considered to be really affordable. So, in terms of business investments, Bristol is an excellent place to start up.
It’s not just business which draws people to this great city. The quality of life is also really high. It was even voted as the best place to live in the UK in 2017. So, you can be sure you’ll enjoy living in this vibrant city. You’ll find a range of low cost, high-quality properties available locally through companies such as Andrews.
Bristol is just one example of why southern England is the place to invest in. The quality of life is fantastic, there’s a wealth of business opportunities available and you’ll also find plenty to see and do in whichever area you choose to settle down in.
This is a guest article, written by Andrews.
ISA Season: Get More for Your Money
What’s the first thing you think of when somebody mentions an ISA?
For most people, it’s the tax-free benefits! Although this is a fantastic feature, it’s not the only benefit you should consider when choosing your ISA – the returns, terms and flexibility can vary greatly.
The wide range of ISAs can get a little confusing, although as some accounts offer in excess of five times the average interest rates, it’s definitely worth checking that you’re making the most of your tax-free allowance. The good news is that it’s simple to switch accounts if you find something better!
Think of your ISA in the same way as a new relationship – it’s a big commitment and you may be tied to your decision for several years. With this in mind, the Kuflink experts have put together five top tips to ensure the next ISA you meet is ‘the one’!
What’s your type?
As the saying goes, each to their own! There are many different types of ISA to choose from, including Cash ISAs, Stocks and Shares ISAs, Innovative Finance ISAs, Lifetime ISAs and Help-to-Buy ISAs. Each ISA offers a unique set of features and benefits, so whether you’re saving for a specific purpose or just want to ensure you’re getting the best return on your money, it’s important to do your research.
There will be highs and lows
Interest rates are a deciding feature for many ISA holders, but with average ISA returns now sitting at just 1.03% (that’s below inflation!), it’s more important than ever to shop around for the best deal. Why allow your hard-earned cash to underperform when you could earn up to 5.35% with Kuflink’s IF-ISA? *
Are you looking for a long-term relationship?
Although a longer ISA term often means a higher interest rate, there are a number of things you should consider before deciding on a long-term ISA relationship! Account terms generally range from 1 year to lifetime options, and although some ISAs offer flexible access to your cash, many are fixed-term – make sure your commitment suits your own financial needs.
Be wary of expensive break-ups!
It’s crucial that you check your exit fees before switching ISAs – your existing provider may charge you to transfer out, and your new provider may charge you to transfer in. If you’re looking to switch to an Innovative Finance ISA that doesn’t charge a fee for transfers in, check out the Kuflink IF-ISA. What’s more, Kuflink doesn’t charge any ISA management fees, so you keep every penny you earn!
Know your boundaries
Each tax year, HMRC set an annual ISA allowance, which increased from £15,240 in 2016/17 to £20,000 for the current tax year, and will remain at £20,000 for 2018/19.
This is the maximum you’ll be allowed to save across your entire ISA portfolio for the year, so if you have more than one ISA, you’ll need to keep an eye on your total savings amount to ensure you don’t exceed the tax-free limit.
Kuflink’s IF-ISA at a glance…
If you’re in search of an ISA with higher returns for the 2018/19 tax year, then why not consider a transfer to Kuflink’s IF-ISA?
Earn up to 5.35% interest pa*
Tax-free interest on P2P investments
1, 3 or 5-year fixed term
Kuflink does not charge you to transfer in**
HMRC-approved ISA Manager
*Capital is at risk. Rate based on a 5-year fixed-term investment. You should seek independent financial advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in future.
**You may be subject to exit fees from your existing ISA provider.
Ultimate guide to Innovative Finance ISAs: Part Four
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P2P Business Lending Up 51%
A new study has shown that UK SMEs (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises) are now seeking finance from a more diverse range of sources than ever, with peer-to-peer business lending up 51%.
Many choose P2P finance for its speed and flexibility although, given less than half of SMEs feel confident they’d be approved for a bank loan, alternative finance solutions are fast becoming an essential lifeline for many small businesses.
Peer-to-peer business loans enable growth and stability, whether the goal is to start-up or scale-up!
The value of P2P business lending is up 51%
Faith in high street banks is at an all-time low, so it’s no surprise that P2P lenders have seen a huge rise in business customers. In many cases, P2P lenders offer a more attractive proposition – to date, more than £14 million has been invested with Kuflink, with £0 investor losses!
The value of SME asset finance deals is up 12%
Not only are more business owners choosing P2P platforms than ever, the value of asset-backed deals is also increasing – whether you’re looking to borrow £50,000 or £500,000, speak to Kuflink today.
47% of SMEs said they were aware of P2P platforms
In stark contrast to just 24% in 2012, an impressive 47% of SMEs are now aware of peer-to-peer platforms. This shows that peer-to-peer finance is now a well-established, mainstream option for many businesses. The Kuflink community is already full of thousands of savvy peer-to-peer investors, but there’s always room for more to join!
Kuflink is already helping SMEs to achieve their goals
Click on the case studies below to see Kuflink’s fast and effective finance solutions in action!
Had enough of putting your business plans on hold whilst you wait for a decision from the bank? Kuflink offer quicker, more reliable and more flexible finance options than many traditional ways of raising funds – get in touch today to find out how we could help make your dreams a reality!
Maximising Space in the Office and Home
Space, whether it be at home or in the office is a much-valued commodity and one that many of us strive to maximise. Making the most of the space that you have can be a catalyst for many things, for example, it is calming and so can help minimise stress. There are some rooms in the home or office, however, where it is difficult to use the space as effectively as is desired and it is in these spaces that careful consideration and a little “blue sky thinking” can go a long way. Here are some top tips for maximising the space in the home or office.
Open Plan Living and Working
The physical structure and dimensions of a living or working space are the single most important element when it comes to maximising space. Looking to achieve an open plan design will make the space look bigger than it actually is, make the space lighter, and more airy. Taking down internal walls, that are surplus to requirements is the first step towards creating an open plan space and once this has been completed you can start to consider windows and doors.
Some designers would argue that doing away with internal doors completely is the way forward, however, sometimes being able to divide the space into distinct zones is necessary. In this instance folding doors, such as the ones supplied by Barrier Components are a great solution.
As far as windows are concerned the bigger the better, on the proviso that they are super-insulated and that they do not compromise the integrity of the buildings original design.
Free Flowing Colour and Flooring
Another way to help a space look bigger is to carefully plan how the rooms will be decorated and here using free flowing colour and floor covering is key. That is to say, that by using the same colour paint on the walls and the same floor covering throughout, there will be an unbroken flow, thus giving the illusion of a bigger space. Then use accents such as framed photographs and paintings so that the walls don’t look too cold or stark. Also, think about the colour of walls, ceilings and floors. It is widely accepted that, generally speaking, choosing lighter colours helps make a space look bigger and lighter.
Don’t Compromise on Clutter
It is easy to overfill a room, particularly a smaller space, with unnecessary pieces of furniture, storage and other items that can make a room look cluttered. Here, taking a smart approach and not compromising when it comes to clutter is paramount if you are to maximise the space. Consider using multifunctional furniture and make the most of areas like alcoves, where shelves can be elevated for storage.
Maximising the space in the home or office is not difficult to achieve, but it does involve some discipline and taking a minimalist approach. A systematic plan, starting with the modification of the physical structure and then progressing to the decorating and furnishing will leave you in doubt that less, in this instance, is definitely more.
This is a guest post, written by Property Division.
UK FinTech: Put Your Money Where Your Mouse Is
For many of us, the term ‘FinTech’ brings to mind cutting-edge computer programmes and niche apps, designed solely for financial traders and analysts. However, chances are, you’re already using multiple examples of FinTech every single day! If you’ve ever shopped online or paid via PayPal or Apple Pay, then you’re already benefitting from these innovations.
A study published earlier this month by Innovate Finance reported that more than $1.8 billion was invested in UK FinTech in 2017 – a huge 153% increase on the previous year. Join the revolution today, and make sure you’re ahead of the curve by reading our simple guide to FinTech in 2018:
What is FinTech?
FinTech is short for Financial Technology
FinTech refers to any technology specifically designed for a financial purpose, from your everyday online banking apps to bespoke investment platforms and digital currencies, for both retail and commercial users.
Who are the market leaders?
Many FinTech products, such as PayPal, are now a well-established part of our everyday financial management. However, more disruptive innovations such as Bitcoin and the blockchain technology that underpins it are also now becoming household names – a great example of how FinTech is changing the game in 2018.
Who should you look out for in 2018?
As investment into UK FinTech continues to climb, a wealth of exciting new ideas are emerging every week! Ones to watch in 2018 include:
TransferWise, an exchange platform marketed as offering ‘the real exchange rate’, which allows users to send money across borders without the ‘hidden bank charges of up to 5%’.
Kuflink, a property-backed peer-to-peer investment platform offering investors up to 7.2% interest pa gross* with opportunities to get started from just £100. Fully authorised by the FCA.
Monzo, a fully licensed online bank with built-in budgeting software that encourages users to meet their savings goals by identifying how much is being spent in different areas, such as travel and dining out.
Squirrel, an online budgeting app which helps you to save by drip-feeding your chosen budget back in to your account throughout the month, making payday splurges a thing of the past!
This year will undoubtedly be the biggest yet for UK FinTech – even the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has pledged to make 2018 the year ‘we take over from Silicon Valley as the world’s leading tech hub’. If you’re keen to be a part of the UK’s meteoric rise to the top, then now is the perfect time to start researching what FinTech could do for you.
Remember, FinTech isn’t just there to help you manage your money – it could also make you money! Sign up to Kuflink’s bespoke, easy-to-use online investment platform today to earn up to 7.2% interest pa gross! *
*Capital is at risk. Rate correct as of 01/03/2018. It is recommended that you seek independent financial advice.
